Manually propelled flying with embedded elements

ABSTRACT

A flying toy manually propelled by a finger includes embedded elements. The flying toy is a planar body with a fingertip notch configured to receive the finger of a user. An aperture within the planar body contains an embedded element. The embedded element may be light emitting diodes, flint pieces, or other types of elements that enhance enjoyment of the flying toy. A user places a finger into the fingertip notch, coils the finger, and quickly opens up the coiled finger so that the toy is disengaged from the finger.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/402,851 filed on Sep. 7, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and are relied upon here.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to toys. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements.

2. Summary of the Invention

Generally, a flying toy manually propelled by a finger includes a planar body having an outer edge and upper and lower surfaces, a fingertip notch configured to receive the fingertip of a user, an aperture formed within the planar body, and an embedded element that is contained by the aperture. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the planar body is die cut. The fingertip notch is a curvature extending into the planar body and terminating at an engagement edge. A user places a finger within the curvature so that the engagement edge is inserted underneath, or at, the fingernail of the finger inserted into the notch. The aperture within the planar body contains an embedded element to enhance the enjoyment of the toy. The embedded elements may be light emitting diodes, flint pieces, or any other suitable element. The flying toy is propelled by the user inserting a finger into the fingertip notch, coiling the finger, then rapidly uncoiling the finger that disengages the toy from the finger.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth herein

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top and side view of an embodiment of a flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements;

FIG. 2 illustrates various polygon shapes of the of flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flame outline incorporated into shape of the flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements that includes light emitting diodes;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements that includes flint pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. While specific implementations involving a flying toy with embedded elements are described, it should be understood that the description here is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the various aspects of the invention. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be easily used or substituted than those that are described here without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention in its various embodiments is a flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements that is a planar body with one or more apertures for containing a variety of embedded elements and a fingertip notch for propelling the flying toy by use of a finger. With reference to FIG. 1, the planar body 10 defines an outer edge 11 with an upper 12 and lower surface 13. Preferably, the planar body is sufficiently rigid to enable flight during rotation and support the weight and structure of a particular embedded element. In various embodiments, the planar body is composed of polystyrene. In another embodiment, the planar body is composed of biodegradable cornstarch sheets. In yet another embodiment, the planar body is composed of pressed fiberboard sheets. Other embodiments may include recyclable materials, such as cardboard/cardstock sheets and the like. However, any suitable lightweight material that enables flight and supports the weight of a particular embedded element is sufficient. In various exemplary embodiments, the planar body is die cut so that a single layer is formed. However, any manufacturing method consistent with the type of material utilized is sufficient. Moreover, the planar body may be manufactured in any suitable thickness that supports flight and the particular embedded element. The thickness of the body may depend on factors such as the degree of rigidity and mass required to support and offer impact protection to the embedded elements(s) and to offer sufficient strength to withstand the forces of both propulsion and impact. Other optional factors may be whether more than one finger is to be used to propel the toy. For example, the thickness and/or size of the fingertip notch may be varied in manufacture such that a single finger of a young child or adult may be used to propel the toy. Alternatively, the thickness and/or size of the fingertip notch may be such that two or more fingers are utilized. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness is typically less than approximately 1/16 inch. In another embodiment, the thickness may be up to approximately ⅛ inch. However, the thickness of the planar body will vary based on the intended application.

The planar body may take the form of a variety of shapes suitable for aerodynamic flight. In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated by FIG. 4, the shape is rectangular. In other illustrated embodiments as illustrated by FIG. 2, the shape may be a triangle, an oval, a square, or any other higher polygons that sufficiently support flight and the embedded elements of the toy. In alternative embodiments, the shape may be formed such that the shape represents various sports shapes such as a football, baseball, or soccer ball. In other embodiments, the shape may be formed in the outline of a person's head. In yet other embodiments, the shape may take the form of an animal such as a dog or cat and the like. Other embodiments may take the form of licensed cartoon characters or other graphics or colors lending eye appeal and marketability to the toy. In one embodiment as illustrated by FIG. 3, the shape includes the outline of a flame. However, any suitable shape that supports flight and the particular embedded element(s) is within the spirit and scope of this invention.

The planar body's upper 12 and lower 13 surfaces may also include printed graphics and/or text to enhance the enjoyment or appeal of the device. For example, the planar body that has the form of a particular sports shape, such as a soccer ball, may have the image of a soccer ball printed on the upper and/or lower surface. In the embodiments where the shape of the planar body is a cartoon character, the particular character's image may be printed on the upper and/or lower surface. Even if the shape of the body is not that of a cartoon character, other embodiments may have the character's image printed on either surface. Any image or text printed on the upper or lower surfaces is within the spirit and scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the graphics or the planar body itself may be of a material that emits lights, such as glowing in the dark.

The outside edge 11 of the planar body may include a material affixed to the edge. For example, a sticky substance may be affixed to the outside edge such that when the toy is propelled it may stick to a surface that it strikes. In one embodiment, the substance may be a Velcro-like substance. In other embodiments, the substance may be chemical in nature. In yet other embodiments, the substance is chosen to provide various desirable effects on impact.

The fingertip notch 15 is a curvature extending into the planar body and terminating at an engagement edge 16 such that the edge may be inserted underneath, or at, the fingernail of a finger inserted into the notch. The notch is designed to provide sufficient friction to hold the toy on the fingertip until movement of the finger propels the toy. Placement of the notch should take into account the aerodynamic properties of the chosen shape and embedded element. For example, the finger notch should be balanced with the embedded element(s) such that the center of mass of the device is preferably within the same half of the toy as the fingertip notch. This placement decreases the amount of torque on the fingertip at launch, lessens stress on the fingertip skin and finger joints during the act of propelling the toy. In other embodiments, the finger notch may receive two or more fingers to possibly enhance rotational and/or linear speed of the toy. In these embodiments, the planar body is suitably thick so that the notch may engage underneath, or at, all of the fingernails of the multiple fingers.

The flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements includes one or more apertures 17 to receive the embedded element(s) 18. The aperture(s) 17 is/are configured to receive an embedded element 18 depending on the particular application. In one embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, one or more apertures 51-54 are configured to receive flint pieces 55. The apertures 51-54 are placed near or at the edges of the planar body such that the flint pieces 55 are exposed at the outer edge. The embedded flint pieces 55 may spark upon impact with a suitable surface when a person propels the flying toy. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, a circular aperture 40 within the planar body is configured to receive a flat-style energy cell or battery 41 that provides power to other embedded elements. Apertures 42, 43, 44, and 45 are configured to receive light emitting diodes 46, 47, 48, and 49. Printed circuits 410 couple the battery 41 to the light emitting diodes 46, 47, 48, and 49. The circular aperture 40 may be fitted with protrusions 411 that are configured to stabilize and hold the battery 41 in place during usage of the flying toy. Other systems may be used instead of, or in addition to, the protrusions to assist in holding the battery in its proper position within the circular aperture. For example, thin tape may be used in addition to the protrusions 411 to hold the battery 41 in place. In the exemplary embodiment, a flexible conductive pad/electrode 412 on Mylar is attached to the positive side of the battery 41.

The flexible conductive pad/electrode 412 is coupled to the printed circuits 410. Negative leads (not shown) from the light emitting diodes attach similarly to the other side of battery 41. Though the toy has been described as employing printed circuits and Mylar, any suitable method of electricity conduction is within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the type of embedded element 18 will vary with the desired application. As illustrated by FIG. A, the embedded elements incorporate flint pieces. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment incorporating embedded elements that are light emitting diodes 46, 47, 48, and 49. The light emitting diodes may be of any style or color to suit the particular application. In other embodiments, the embedded element 18 is a material that glows in the dark. In another embodiment, the embedded element 18 is configured to emit a sound while in flight. In yet other embodiments, the embedded element is a camera or video recording device. Any suitable embedded element that enhances the enjoyment of the device is within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As described above in its various embodiments, the flying toy manually propelled by a finger containing embedded elements is configured for a person to place a finger (or fingers depending on the embodiment) within the fingertip notch 15 such that the engagement edge 16 is placed underneath, or at, the person's fingernail. The person bends the finger with the flying toy back into the palm of the person's hand. To propel the flying toy, the person quickly opens up the coiled finger with enough velocity and force so that the flying toy disengages from the fingertip and travels towards its target or freely into an open space until returning to the ground. Flight is stabilized by rotation following disengagement from the finger.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurations of the described embodiments of the invention are part of the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the appended claims and their legal equivalents should only define the invention, rather than any specific examples given. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy propelled by a finger comprising: a planar body defining an outer edge, the planar body having an upper surface and a lower surface; a curvature extending into the planar body and terminating at an engagement edge wherein the curvature is configured to receive a fingertip of a user; an aperture formed within the planar body, the aperture configured to receive an embedded element.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the planar body is die-cut so that a single layer is formed.
 3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the planar body is composed of a material chosen from the group of polystyrene, biodegradable cornstarch, pressed fiberboard, and cardboard.
 4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the outside edge of the planar body has a material affixed to the outside edge.
 5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the embedded element is a light emitting diode.
 6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the embedded element is a flint piece.
 7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface have images affixed to the surfaces.
 8. A flying toy propelled by a finger comprising: a planar body defining an outer edge and having a thickness, the planar body having an upper surface and a lower surface; a curvature extending into the planar body and terminating at an engagement edge wherein the curvature is configured to receive a fingertip of a user and the engagement edge is configured to rest against the fingertip of the user; an aperture formed within the planar body configured to receive an embedded element wherein the embedded element is securely held in place within the aperture.
 9. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the planar body is die-cut so that a single layer is formed.
 10. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the planar body is composed of a material chosen from the group of polystyrene, biodegradable cornstarch, pressed fiberboard, and cardboard.
 11. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the outside edge of the planar body has a material affixed to the outside edge.
 12. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the embedded element is a light emitting diode.
 13. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the embedded element is a flint piece.
 14. The flying toy of claim 8, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface have images affixed to the surfaces.
 15. A toy configured to be propelled by a user by engaging a user's finger with the toy, coiling the user's finger, and rapidly opening up the coiled finger with velocity and force sufficient to disengage the toy from the finger, the toy comprising: a die cut planar body defining an outer edge and having a thickness, the planar body having an upper surface and a lower surface; a curvature extending into the planar body and terminating at an engagement edge wherein the curvature is configured to receive a fingertip of a user and the engagement edge is configured to rest against the fingertip of the user; a first aperture formed within the planar body configured to receive a first embedded element wherein the first embedded element is securely held in place within the first aperture by a tab formed from the planar body; wherein the first embedded element comprises: a light emitting diode; a power source; a positive lead coupling the light emitting diode with the power source; and a negative lead coupling the light emitting diode with the power source.
 16. The toy of claim 15, wherein the planar body is composed of a material chosen from the group of polystyrene, biodegradable cornstarch, pressed fiberboard, and cardboard.
 17. The toy of claim 15, wherein the outside edge of the planar body has a material affixed to the outside edge.
 18. The toy of claim 15, further comprising a second aperture configured to receive a second embedded element.
 19. The toy of claim 18, wherein the second embedded element is a flint piece.
 20. The toy of claim 15, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface have images affixed to the surfaces. 